The assembly will vote this week on whether Northern Ireland’s Brexit deal, the Windsor Framework, should continue to operate for another four years. The deal effectively keeps NI inside the EU’s single market for goods, meaning that goods trade across the border with the Republic of Ireland has remained undisturbed by Brexit. However, for smaller firms with fewer resources, the sea border remains an unpredictable challenge.
Michael and Lesley Cairnduff, who run a County Down-based pet food business, said the paperwork needed was “crucifying” small businesses like theirs. They have experienced issues with getting their supplies across from GB, including a four-month period without being able to get their supplies in the normal way.
The Windsor Framework means NI has unique dual market access: NI-based manufacturers have better access to the EU single market than firms based in GB, while also retaining full access to the UK market. However, the chief executive of NI’s inward investment agency, Invest NI, says that hasn’t happened yet, and that awareness of the opportunities presented by dual market access is still relatively low.
An update in EU product safety rules means some businesses in GB face new rules when selling to NI, a particular challenge for micro businesses selling through online platforms, with some saying they will no longer be able to get their goods across the sea border.
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